Xavier Becerra Advances to November Governor Race in California

Xavier Becerra received nearly 27 percent of the vote in California's June 2 primary, enough to advance to the November general election for governor. Approximately two-thirds of ballots had been counted when the Associated Press called the result Friday afternoon.

California's top-two primary sends the two highest vote-getters to the general election regardless of party. More than three million ballots remain uncounted, and late-arriving Democratic ballots could still change the second-place finisher. Becerra's campaign described the outcome as a historic step, noting he would be the first Latino elected governor in more than a century if he wins in November.

He has emphasized his government experience and past legal challenges to federal policies. He has said he would declare a state of emergency to freeze utility and homeowners-insurance rates while reviewing cost drivers. He has also stated support for maintaining California's existing emissions-reduction targets.

Becerra has not proposed major policy departures from the current administration and gave the outgoing governor an "A" for homelessness efforts during a debate.